Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.
Physiother Theory Pract. 2010 Jan;26(1):62-8. doi: 10.3109/09593980802667854.
Lymphedema is the tissue fluid accumulation that arises as a consequence of impaired lymphatic drainage. Lymphedema can result from either congenital (primary) or acquired (secondary) anomalies. Primary lymphedema affects 1-2 million people in the United States. Women are more affected by this disorder than men. The management of lymphedema by physical therapists usually includes a combination of skin care, external pressure, isotonic exercise, and massage. This case report describes the course of treatment for a 24-year-old female with stages 2 and 3 primary lymphedema. The goals of physical therapy intervention were as follows: 1) to reduce total limb girth circumference for both lower extremities; 2) to improve skin texture; 3) to promote independence with skin care to reduce the risk of infection; and 4) to facilitate independence with self-management. Following intervention, the patient met and exceeded all goals to decrease limb circumference. She had minimal fibrosis in the lower extremities, and she exhibited no signs and/or symptoms of infection. Decongestive lymphedema therapy was effective in treating this patient with primary lymphedema of the lower extremities. Continuous maintenance is required to ensure that the patient's limb size continues to reduce.
淋巴水肿是由于淋巴引流受损而导致的组织液积聚。淋巴水肿可由先天性（原发性）或获得性（继发性）异常引起。原发性淋巴水肿影响美国的 100 万至 200 万人。女性比男性更容易受到这种疾病的影响。物理治疗师对淋巴水肿的管理通常包括皮肤护理、外部压力、等张运动和按摩的组合。本病例报告描述了一名 24 岁女性 2 期和 3 期原发性淋巴水肿的治疗过程。物理治疗干预的目标如下：1）减少双下肢的总肢体周长；2）改善皮肤质地；3）促进皮肤护理的独立性以降低感染风险；4）促进自我管理的独立性。干预后，患者达到并超过了所有减少肢体周长的目标。她的下肢纤维化程度最小，并且没有任何感染的迹象和/或症状。淋巴水肿减压疗法对治疗该患者的下肢原发性淋巴水肿有效。需要持续维持以确保患者的肢体尺寸继续减小。
